Pressure injuries during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: a retrospective, case-control study

Sianes-Gallén, Mònica; Pujol-García, Anna María; García, Montserrat Rus; Luque, Carmen Partera; Postigo, Montserrat López; Mañosa, Silvia Call; Camposo Montesino, María Carmen; Touriño, Belén Ibáñez; Obon, Eulalia Ribas; Rodríguez, Tania Segura; Fuentes, Pilar Cores; Sanantonio, Marta Tamame; Jornet-Gibert, Montsant

AIM OF STUDY: The main objective of this study was to ascertain whether severe alterations in hypoxemic, inflammatory, and nutritional parameters in patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection were associated with the occurrence and severity of developed dependency-related injuries. The secondary objective was to determine whether there were prognostic factors associated with the occurrence and severity of developed dependency-related injuries during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective, single-centre, case-control study was conducted to compare SARS-CoV-2 patients who developed dependency-related injuries after the first 48 hours after admission with a control group made up of SARS-CoV-2 patients without dependency-related injuries. The cases of the 1,987 patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection during the study period were reviewed. Data from 94 patients who developed dependency-related injuries and from 190 patients who did not develop them during hospital admission were analysed. RESULTS: High baseline dependency levels, prolonged hospital stays, and low oxygen saturation levels on arrival in emergency department triage were associated with the occurrence of dependency-related injuries among patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection. CONCLUSIONS: SARS-CoV-2 infection can lead to complications such as dependency-related injuries. Although there are several non-modifiable variables associated with the occurrence of dependency-related injuries in these patients, it is essential to conduct further research and introduce consensus guidelines to reduce their incidence and prevalence.